Homeward Bound!

You may have heard it through various sources by now, but we want to confirm that it’s true. After almost nine weeks in the hospital, Mr. Bowen is finally headed HOME! That’s right, read it again if you have to, we are homeward bound. It looks like we’ll be able to check out of the hospital this coming Monday. The doctors have decided there’s no reason we can’t care for him at home while we wait for his genetic testing for HI to come back. If his test comes back positive then we will have to go to CHOP, but they want Bowen to have his second open heart surgery (the Hemi-Fontan) before they consider surgery on his pancreas. They have tentatively scheduled his Hemi-Fontan for late February or early March, and if we have to go to Philadelphia it will be sometime after that.

We’re so ready to be in our cozy home with our whole family together. We know it’s going to be very challenging to care for all of Bowen’s special needs, but we’re ready more than ready. We’ve already welcomed our little boy into our family, now we can’t wait welcome him into our home.

Sarah and Matt

Together Again

Digging Deeper

Glory

A friend visited us in moderate care a couple weeks ago and told us that several families in the PCTU were having a rough night. All the parents had to leave the unit because a baby boy was being placed on life support, so I decided to walk down to the PCTU waiting room to check on some friends. The first person I saw was a woman that I’d noticed around the hospital for several weeks, but had never spoken to. I decided to introduce myself and an incredible conversation transpired. I wrote the following paragraph in my journal that night.

“Tonight I spoke with a woman that I’d seen in the halls for the past seven weeks. I’m not sure why we hadn’t spoken yet. Once we started talking it didn’t take long for us to realize that we are living the same experience. That somehow in the midst of what should be the darkest time of our lives, we are being consumed by glory. The glory of God is being shot into the dark crevices of our hearts and minds, awakening in us a new sense of what we are meant to understand and how we are meant to live.”

That night, I discovered that Mary and I had not only been thinking and feeling the same things, but had been writing strikingly similar things in our journals about the glory of God in suffering. I remember her saying, “I’m writing things I don’t even understand, things I have to read over again” and “I can’t stop thinking about glory.”

How is it possible that two strangers walking through one of the most painful seasons of life, also surrounded by the suffering of so many others, could both be consumed by these same thoughts and feelings? How is it that instead of having hearts consumed with anxiety, we both had hearts consumed with glory?

Glory is what you feel as you reach the end of an epic movie, when your favorite team wins by a thread, when a gut wrenching war is won or a life is saved against all foreseeable odds. Notice what all these scenarios have in common. Without the battle, there is no glory.

I want you to read what Paul wrote in Romans 5:1-5. You may need to read a couple times to understand all of what he’s saying.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Strange as it may seem, Paul rejoiced more in suffering than in hope. He understood that you can experience suffering without hope, but you can’t experience hope without suffering. I’ve mentioned this in previous posts, but I want to reiterate that without suffering Christ could not have been put death. Without his battle, without his blood, there would be no hope of the glory of God. We would be left settling for the glory of cheap thrills and entertainment that die with us. The hope of the glory of God is something we carry beyond the grave.

The thing that Mary and I have in common is our faith in Christ. What we feel in our hearts is the glory of our faith being tested, and proven, through our suffering.

The light always shines, but it’s brilliance and beauty (it’s glory) is revealed in the darkness.

Danita

Praise God that you are able to take your little one finally home. I pray that he continually blesses your family and that Bowen continues to be healed by not only by the medicine and science but by the grace of our lord.

Congratulations Hammitt family!! There is absolutely nothing as wonderful as getting told that you can take your sweet baby home. I am so happy that you will finally get some quality family time together. I pray your transition goes smoothly and that you are able to get some much needed rest between surgeries. Bowen is so precious!

Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us. I have learned so much and been blessed to read all that you’ve learned and what God has done in your hearts.

Shelly Skelton

So so happy for you and your family that Bowen can finally reside in his earthly home. Please continue to keep us posted on Bowen progress and keep sharing your thoughts. I love to dig deeper into God’s word and grow in the knowledge of the Lord. The Romans 5 passage is one of my favorites and has given me much comfort, strength and hope during some difficult times in my life. Thank you for it’s wonderful reminder of how great our God is. Continued prayers and many blessings to your entire family.

Terry DeBusk

lisa carlin(hlhs mom)

awww, thats so wonderful!! I am so happy for all of you!! I really admire your strength through all of this,sarah. god bless little bowen. once your home with him,,you’ll get in a routine thats comfortable for all of you. thanks for sharing your amazing journey with the world! I will pray for smooth sailing from here…with love,,LISA

I am super happy that your journey is moving to a place of comfort and peace, HOME. That is great news. I also want to say the Glory you are talking about is something that Kasi and I too have experienced just yesterday. A friend wrote to me about what it must REALLY look like in this PICU room at U of M. Just to see all of His angels and even the hand of Jesus holding Kasi. Doctors are amazed everyday at her tolerance and her grace. She shows love and kindness to everyone who comes into this room no matter what they do to her.
We are currently praying against pneumonia and for her left lung to inflate completely. Her surgery was harder and longer than expected, but the results are awesome. So we know that God’s glory is here. Maybe right down the hall from you!
Kasi really wanted to meet Bowen, but knowing he is going home, will be a blessing to her and I think she probably feels like she knows him a little already just because of the path of suffering they both need (ed) to take. God provides and extra strength in these little ones and only He can love them more than we do.
Be Blessed!!
Jodi DeRoo
From the other side of PICU!!

Tammi T. (a mom of an HLHS boy)

Heidi S.

Congratulations and praise the Lord! What a wonderful next step in this adventure you finally all get to take. We will pray for a smooth transition for everyone and that between now and the hemi-Fontan you all can have a tremendous time together as a family. What a wonderful holiday gift!

Tim and Marcia Hicks

Judy

So glad that you are going to take Bowen home, even if it would be for a short period. I so admire both of your spirits and faith. God has been you so much stronger than the couple before the song “Lead Me”. God knew what he was doing. You needed that strength in Him so you could get through some of these things ahead. I know some people that have been through difficult things and it has broken them apart. For you both, it has made you incredibly stronger in Him and with your family. You also are reaching other to others to help them which is good. God bless you as you take your little guy home. We will still be praying for you.

Dave and Sharon Gartley

Praise God!!!!!!! Now we’ll be praying for you to be able to completely rest as you are caring for him at home and that there will be no need for any surgery on the pancreas. What a blessing to be home right before Thanksgiving and Christmas! God is SO good! Thank you Jesus!

Linda

I pray Bowen will not need pancreas surgery and God will continue to heal him. It’s such a blessing for you to finally go home and spend family time together!! I have learned so much from your experience, digging deeper, and your faith has been an inspiration. May God continue to bless Bowen and answer our prayers for the Hammitt family.

Renee

I am so happy to read that Bowen gets to go home, that is awesome news. I know the girls are happy to finally get him home as much as y’all are. Please continue to update us on Bowen’s progress. Matt, I really enjoy reading the “digging deeper” parts of the updates so please continue that too. Have a great weekend and know that you guys are loved by people you have never met.

melanie

what exciting news to wake up to this morning,What a glorious God we have.I will continue to pray for helaing for Bowen and grace and strength for your family.Please ,please keep the updates on “OUR” baby coming. I also pray you will continue to share the insight God is sharing with you.

Julie

Matt & Sara … I have been looking at the photo that 1st comes up when you come to your site, and I have been waiting for the day that you 5 would be in that family picture all together..That is the sweetest family portrait I think I have ever seen. I am so happy for you to be able to take your little man home with your girls and just be able to be together at-last !!! You both are truly blessed by God with this little family you have and I am humbled by all that you have been through. Please know that there are a tremedous amount of people out here who care so much about you guys and your family. GOD BLESS THE HAMMITT 5 !!!! :0)

JENI

PRAISE GOD!!! You all have been in my prayers ever since I first heard about your family on KLOVE and will continue to be in my prayers as your journey continues. You know our God is Good and your website has lead to me lto spend more time with HIM and to also “dig a little deeper”. Thank you for opening your hearts and sharing with the world your experiences. With much Christian Love – Jeni

Roman

Oh, praise God! Soooo excited for you guys! We’ll continue praying of course, as I’m sure you’ll need all the help (especially from Him) you can get, even at home 😉 Thoughts and prayers are with you – and praise for our God who has seen, is seeing, and will continue to see your family through this – whatever the future holds.
Btw – your family pic is beautiful!

Danielle

Beth Warner

Abbie says “she’s so glad that Bowen is going home!!” She is also glad that you “won’t have to miss him anymore!” Jonathan says “I am glad that baby Bowens parents won’t miss him anymore.”
We are so glad that you guys get to go home!!! I cried as I read your post. I know the road isn’t over yet but to be home will be such a relief for you all, I’m sure. We are still praying for all of you. I am going to ask our pastor if I can read the digging deeper segment from this post in church tomorrow. I know we have some families struggling through some tough things and I believe it will be a huge encouragement for all of us to hear. As always, loads of love from our family to yours!!

Misty

I have tears i my eyes reading this wonderful story about you gong home. Our God is awesome!!!! You have a beautiful family and I pray that your home will be surrounded by His angels to help you through the trastion. please keep us updated, since you have been so open with Bowens story and your faith its like you are part of my family. May God continue to Bless and strenghthen you through this battle.
Misty

Kati

Your mommy and daddy have been blogging about you and one day I came across your website. I recently began my journey as a young nurse and your story has captured my heart. I am so thankful we serve an awesome God who knew all about us before we were even born.

You have an incredible family and a loving Heavenly Father who is working all things together for good. On Monday you will come HOME. I have no words to describe how excited I am for you and your mommy and daddy and sisters. I have been praying for you and asking God to do something BIG! (I would say those prayers have been answered). Praise God!!! All glory be to His name!!

Be good for your mommy and daddy. I know they have a lot to learn about how to take care of you at home now. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers, Bowen. Also, tell your daddy that his “Digging Deeper” posts have challenged my own heart and God is using him to be an encouragement and light to others in the midst of this pain and suffering.

Stay strong, Little Man. Give your mommy and daddy a hug from me and tell them that lots of people all over are praying – praying that the God of peace will comfort you and that you will be filled with joy.

PAM SCHOOLER

I will be praying for Charlotte!!! I will be praying for her family and the Drs. and all who are with her as you enter this new “heart” world. I know God has changed my heart through it all. Through Bowen, my eyes have been opened to a whole other population of special people that include parents,Drs., nurses, and most of all these heart children are soooo special.They were fearfully and wonderfully made, that is for SURE!!! Keep us updated on Charlotte so we know how to pray. Blessings.Pam

Jenn

PTL! Oh my goodness! I am crying tears of joy for you and your beautiful little family. I am so happy for you guys! God is amazing! And your family truely is an inspiration to myself as well as many others. Thank you for sharing this experience with us. And we will continue to be praying for you all and precious little Bowen.

OMG Im so amazed and happy for Bowen and yawl as a family taking him HOME finally!!!! God has given yawl Hope and Faith for the family and friends and lives like mine yawl have touched through blogging about Bowen!!!!

Heather Bailey

My heart leapt when my friend told me Baby Bowen was homeward bound… I hadn’t been on here in a few days! God Bless your family and prayers will continue to flow your way. Seeing the picture of all of you together brought tears… wonderful ones.

Sarah and Matt, our family is so happy for you!!! Do not worry about the special needs, medication that Bowen will need, and his overall care at home. Believe me before you leave the hospital they will make sure that you are comfortable with everything!! One suggestion I might give is that only one parent give the meds. Believe it or not I know of some screw ups that people have had with repeating doses. Someday though Bowen will measure and administer his own meds, like Mal does. REJOICE!!!!!!

I think sometimes we confuse the word “glory” with “happy.” It seems awful to say, “WOOHOO! I’m so HAPPY that I”m suffering and that my baby is going through all this pain.”

I LOVE LOVE the point you made about glory only coming after a battle. That is exactly right. One way or another, we WILL win and the glory will be for God. Life is a long, hard battle, and suffering will come. Sometimes worse than others. But God will have the glory in the end, and giving Glory to him through the midst is an act of faith and a choice, I think. I’m not *happy* that my baby is suffering. It breaks my heart to see her in so much pain.

But I rejoice in the fact that God will reign victorious and use her suffering (and consequently my suffering) to make us stronger, and those around us too.

I rejoice when people come to me and say that praying for Annabelle has strengthened their relationship with Jesus. That seeing God’s strength through us has helped them and encouraged them.

And for me, even though I feel so very weak at times, it’s made me rely on God’s strength each day instead of taking it for granted or trying to do it all on my own. (Still a work in progress there though…) It’s made me dig deeper in God’s word and go beyond just the surface stuff.

Anyway, going on long here, but suffice to say, I agree, and well said!

PAM SCHOOLER

lisa carlin(hlhs mom)

hi krista,, I wish you the best of luck today with the breathing tube out.. dylan had his out after many,many attempts. finally, sucess at 8 weeks. we had many setbacks with his recovery but eventually made it to home and doing fine. don’t ever give up hope… she’s fighting to get better… some take the slow road and thats ok. I will pray to mary today that she comes to her and gives her the strength to get better.)

Jessica

Jessica

What a beautiful family picture! We will continue to pray for a smooth transition for Bowen and all of you. Although it may seem overwhelming at times, before you know it given Bowen his meds will become second hand. The Lord is so perfect and He will guide you! Matt, your words on Glory are so perfect and so fulfilling! Thank you for taking the time during this busy time in your life to better ours! Bowen is changing the world, one heart at at time!
Much Love,
The Scranton Family

Michele Ryan

Matt,
I found this site as I was searching concert dates. A FB post alerted me to the fact that you had been in NY yesterday and I quickly started a search to see if you were going to be anywhere near Poughkeepsie anytime soon… I did see you in Massachusetts a couple of years ago… love the music and the message. I didn’t find what I was looking for but found this site instead. What a gift! I can’t relate to the physical challenges you are facing with your child, but definitely can relate to the pain associated with our children and God’s wonderful glory and grace through the pain and suffering. I have a teenager going through some very tough times. I will pray for you and your beautiful family. Thank you, again, for the gift of your post… I didn’t get the concert… but God sure knew what I needed! 🙂
Love,
Michele

Beth

This is such great news! I’m so happy for your whole family. I’ve been reading your story since the begining and praying for you the whole time. So this is not only exciting news for you but for me too!

Caren G.

That is such great news! You need to for sure all sit on the couch & embrace the moment! We will continue to pray for him & for your family:) Thanks for always keeping us updated so that we may be part of your journey.

Cindy Kilgore

Matt & Sarah ~ What wonderful news! All of you together in your home. What a wonderful thing! I’ve read your blog every day, and have been so impressed, and so very blessed by the way you have shared what God is teaching you, and doing in your lives. God is using you to minister to so many people, whom you have never even met! You have allowed us a window into God’s glory, as you have been taking all of us on this difficult journey with you.

I hope you’ll continue to give us updates about how things are going, and how we can continue to pray for Bowen and for your family. I’ll be praying that your transition to being at home goes smoothly, and that Bowen grows big and strong! Thank you so much for all the many ways that you have ministered to us. Praise God.

Bobby and Debby Paisley

We are ecstatic at this news! We, too, remember bringing hom our son from the hospital, after 2 months on a ventilator, heart surgery, lung collapsing, and a seizure. There was a gamut of emotions running through us, and yes, we were scared. However, God remained by our side and never gave us more than we could handle. Praise God – this young man will be 29 on Tuesday. God will be there for you also, as he has been by your side for the last 9 weeks.

Matt and Sarah, you both have been such an inspiration to us all. You both have blessed the Paisley family more than you will ever know, by renewing and enriching our faith, touching every aspect of our lives. Thank you both for allowing us to be a part of your most personal thoughts and questions. The Hammitt family is a true example of Christ’s teachings. We will continue our prayers daily for all of you, and look forward to watching Bowen’s progress as you all start down a new road of the map God has laid out all of you.

Dear Father
We come to you once more to thank you for such a joyous ending to this, the first part of young Bowen’s life and journey. Please, as this family goes home, continue to hold them tightly in your arms and give them the strength to face the days and weeks to come and to remain strong in their faith throughout whatever obstacles may come their way on the way to Bowen’ s healing and furtrher surgeries. Continue to bestow your healing powers on Bowen – such a precious child who has been through so much during his short life. We remain steadfast that you have indeed touchrd his life, as well as all of our lives by leading us to this story and this family. We Praise your holy name!!!

Mary Powers

It is a bittersweet thing — going home. It is such a mix of relief and fear, gratefulness and heartache. I had become so accustomed to being “engaged” with everyone around me — staff, surgeons, other parents, friends — that I was very disconnected and lonely, longing to know how my friends were doing. It felt like moving away. We stayed in contact via e-mail for awhile. There were days I was just so overwhelmed with the care of my fragile son that I wept, longing for a nurse or a doctor to check on us to encourage me that everything was ok.

I pray that Sarah has a strong support team at home to encourage her when she is fearful and lonely. It can be so frightening when your child is so fragile and you feel that weight of responsibility all alone.

God bless you all. What a thankful Thanksgiving season this must be. Thanks for taking us on this journey with you.

Christine Kisabeth

Praise God! I am thrilled that you will finally be able to bring that sweet baby home! I can’t imagine how elated you must feel. I have been following your story and praying for you.

I also loved your writing on glory. It really hit home for several reasons. One of them is that we are close friends of Luke and Sara Shortridge. So we have suffered and rejoiced with them through their many trials with Jackson’s health. And what joy we felt when he finally came home after 3 1/2 months in the hospital last year. And you are right, we wouldn’t have felt that glory without the suffering. And now we pray that his latest surgery will work this time for good!

We will continue to pray for Bowen and your family. We will also pray that his insulin problems are NOT genetic as well as that his heart situation continues to go well. On a side note, I had the privilege of meeting your sweet daughters last Wednesday night at our preschool community fair. I am a teacher at First United Methodist Preschool where Riley goes and they had accompanied her. There are just as precious in person:) What a beautiful family you have!

susie michaud

Hallelujah! That will be so wonderful for you all to be together in your comfortable,cozy home! You have all waited so long. I’m so happy for you! I’ll be praying for continual healing for sweet baby Bowen and confidence for mommy and daddy to take on the special caretaking he will need. Please don’t be reluctant to except and ask for help (especially with laundry,housework,cooking,and quiet momements to sort through all the paperwork that comes home with a hospital stay!) May the Lord give you lots and lots of momements to just soak up “togetherness!” The picture of you all together is precious! Love you guys lots and can’t wait to hear of the Hammit home family adventures! We’ll be feeling God’s glory shining on Monday here out west from Ohio 🙂

Jill

So thankful. I have been praying for your little boy and your whole family. I’m so excited for all of you! I have been sharing about your circumstances at my church and have been encouraging them to pray for Bowen and your family. It’s going to be so wonderfully awesome to tell them the news that he’s going home! Little Bowen’s life keeps showing us that God is answering prayer.

Praising God with your family! That is incredible news! My son Caden was in the hospital 8 weeks from the time he was born due to his heart repair and other complications. I know the joy of being able to bring your precious son home.

Connie Toole

The first thing that came to mind when I saw that yal were going home was “PRAISE THE LORD” What a blessing !! I pray everything continues to go well and there won’t have to be any more hospitals for a while. my granddaughter, Emerson , is still in the hospital after her Fontan mainly because of the drainage from the chest tubes. , but God is working and his timing is perfect as we all know. but, I will have to admit that this morning we have been a little weary, Emerson is 3 and very verbal and keeps begging us to take ” all of this stuff off of me” as she says, and she keeps asking to put her clothes on and go home and it breaks your heart !!! My daughter was telling her this morning that we are praying for Jesus to help with the drainage problems so we can all go home. Out of the mouth of babies, she said- Mommy do you have to call him on your phone ? Erica said no baby he is always near and he always hears us and you can talk to him now and thank him for taking good care of you and ask him what ever you want too. He loves you very much !!! shortly after that, I meet a man who’s grandson went to heaven when he was only about a week old in 2007. He was HLHS, and didn’t make it through his first surgery !! Our complaints seemed very small after my conversation with him. As I’m sure both of you know, we can all look around and see people much worse off than us. I pray for a hedge of protection around your whole family as we near the hoildays. I think we all have reached a whole new level of what being thankful really means!! Connie Toole (EmersonBanksMay, HLHS, http://www.carepages.com)

PAM SCHOOLER

Continuing to pray for Emerson. I can’t imagine them being verbal through all of this. Can they use a wound vac on her to get the fluid out. They used that on Bowen but he had an infection and I don’t know if they only use it for that???

Just so you know, the day you go home is filled with emotion. I cried several times, just because I was so overwhelmed…a lot of it just with the “stuff” that Jethro needed at home, not dosing and giving meds, or any of those things, but oxygen tanks, oximeters, wedges, scales, etc. However, it’s OKAY. 🙂 You can do it! God has blessed you with this precious, dear son and He will enable you to do whatever you need to to care for him. I have done things I never would have thought I could, because Jethro needed me to. I’ve changed out feeding tubes, I’ve dressed wounds, I’ve given shots. You just do what you need to, God provides the strength and steady hand. 🙂

I would also suggest setting up a spread sheet for Bowen’s meds. I set Jethro’s up for a week’s worth at a time. I check each one off as I dose it out. It just helps to keep things straight ~ especially when there are other little people in your household that need attention ~ you can’t always control when that happens and if you get interrupted while dosing, you know exactly where you were. I almost always dose the meds in the same order as well. The suggestion for just one parent to give meds is a good one, although you both want to be comfortable doing it, so either one can.

So excited for you. I’ve been praying that Bowen’s genetic testing would come back sooner than later, and that your waiting would be filled with grace. So, so glad you get to be home while you wait, and that even if you have to go to CHOP, you’ll get some time at home inbetween. God is good!!!

Dear Matt,Sarah,and Mr.Bowen.I praise God ! I have followed your story from day 1 and I must admit it has brought tears of joy to your litle one.Iam glad that you get to finally take Mr. Bowen home to meet his extended family all of his sisters and other family members.I know that you have helped so many other families that are going thru the same thing and how Matt you are reaching out to other Moms that are out there so very scared of what is taking place w/ there precious liitle one.
So this will be Mr. Bowen’s first Thanksgiving at home.Yhank you God again for what you are doing for this precious little one.
Boy do you have alot to be thankful about this Thanksgiving season!
I look forward to the day when you can say w/out a dout that God has healed Mr.Bowen of his heart problems and his problems w/ his sugar.
By the way your music has been a Godsent to me,becouse I am going thru alot of health problems right now.
God bless each and everyone who has helped your family this Thanksgiving season!!!!
In Christ.
Patricia

Tammi T. (a mom of an HLHS boy)

Praise the Lord!!!! ( I definitely believe this calls for many exclamation points.) What an answer to prayer. We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers. It is good to already have an idea of the date for the next surgery, (it might lessen the impact emotionally for when it is time to return). We’ll continue to pray for the blood sugar situation and hope there won’t be a need for pancreatic surgery.

We love the family picture and look forward to seeing how God will use you in the future.

Lisa Hoewing

I am so happy for your great news! What an answer to prayer! I have mentioned before that my class of 2nd graders have been praying for Bowen since his birth. I printed out a picture from your blog and placed it on our bulletin board because my students wanted to see the baby that they have been praying for each daily. My heart is so blessed when they offer up a sweet prayer for Baby Bowen. They all love to pray for him and they will be so excited when I share with them that he is going HOME!!!!

On another note I have also been where you are, having spent 2 1/2 months in the NICU with our oldest son. When we finally got back home and settled into our routine, it was hard to believe we had ever been at the hospital. We go back and visit our wonderful NICU nurses when we get a chance. We also take our youth group to cook a meal for families in the Ronald McDonald house because we have such a burden for families who find themselves in situations like we did.

Your message about Glory really spoke to me today. Our son Aaron is such a miracle and a blessing. He has undergone 7 surgeries in his 8 years of life. Two were from a hearing loss that was caused by oto toxic meds he recieved to save his life. Each time we jump one hurdle there always seems to be another for him. He has cochlear implants and has learned to listen and speak well enough to attend the school where I teach. I rejoice that the Lord has allowed him to progress so well. Now he is having periods of inattentiveness that are difficult to explain. His teachers are concerned and want us to do further testing to see if he has a focusing issue. Sometimes I wonder why he can’t just get a break. You message reminded me that sometimes we go through trials so that the glory can be revealed in the end. I am claiming glory for our son and that we find a way to overcome his latest set back.

Lis

Wonderful to hear it again, saw it first on Twitter. What a lovely family portrait! Matt, I know what you mean about the glory. At a time when we had lost everything material wise, I was recovering from multiple head traumas,an mc, suffering through PTSD and trying to recover years of lost memory while learning to walk and talk, as my dearest friends, brother n law, parents, and other loved ones faded one after another after another, and I faced my 30th birthday, a day doctors did not expect me to see, God’s glory was there. I wrote poems about things that made no sense to me at the time. I wrote about peace,love, and joy when all around me was suffering, pain, and death. It was a horrific time but God chose that specific hour in my journey to have me write a book. A book I’ve yet to find the nerve to publish even 3 years later. I feel so inspired by reading your journey and my faith grows even more as I have the honor to pray for your wonderful family. It’s indescribable. Love & Prayers ~ Lis ~

Sharralynn Cook

It is SOOO great to see the picture of your whole family together!!! I praise God for the amazing things He has done in your lives! Thank you for continuing to share these precious moments with us. You are all in our prayers!

Angcoop

I have been reading your blog for sometime now, but I have yet to leave a comment. I just want to express how happy I am that you can bring your beautiful baby boy home. I have prayed for you and your family, and I will continue praying. Praise God!! We are soo blessed to have such an awesome God. I really enjoy reading your digging deeper sections. They really open my heart and mind and make me think about the many things that happen each and everyday that we cannot explain or understand, but God knows exactly what he is doing. We need to trust that he will lead us in the right direction. My mother passed away when I was 17 years old and at first I was mad. I couldn’t understand why God didn’t answer my prayers. It’s been eleven years since her passing, and I am happily married with two beautiful boys and pursuing my dream of becoming a teacher. I am truly blessed in so many ways! God bless you!!! BTW…everytime I see pictures of Baby Bowen my eyes fill up with happy tears. He is soo precious and his beautiful smile just melts my heart!! =)

What happy news! I know you will be so happy to have everyone home. And you guys will do great- it’s amazing how quickly your inner nurse comes out. I will be praying for a smooth transition home, and that Bowen stays healthy between now and the next surgery.

amanda

Deb Barnes

Thank the Good and Sweet Lord! We are so happy and excited that Bowen is finally on his way to a wonderful family that is so full of patience and love! We should throw a party when you get home!! Sarah – Matt Please know that if there is anything that I can do for you guys, all you have to do is call….You have been in our hearts and prayers for the past 8 – 9 weeks and we will continue to keep up the prayers and love….

Melanie Lake

GLORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GLORY TO GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Lord for allowing Bowen to go home!!!!! Isn’t God so good to us?!!!!!
Good luck and continued prayers for Bowen and your family. I am super excited that you all get to be together in your OWN home!!!! Keep us posted on his progress. God will direct your hands while caring for your baby boy and you will have such joy in knowing that you are growing as he is growing. Oh man, PRAISE GOD!!!!!!! I want to jump up and down and run around in praise for you guys!!!!! God bless.
Prayers and Love, Melanie

Sue Thomas

AMEN !!!!!!! 🙂 we will still be praying for all of you !!!!! what wonderful news that now you can be with your girls and son all in one place. and I know help will be there when you need it. Your Family picture is PRICELESS !!!!!! God’s Blessings to you all. What a Happy ThanksGiving You will have in your own home.with all your children and each other. Blessings, Sue

Deanne

Congratulations on being able to take Bowen home! That is a wonderful praise and blessing from the Lord! I’m very happy that your entire family will be together under one roof. I will pray that God continues to help Bowen grow and that He will give you daily strength and wisdom in caring for Bowen and your two little girls. God Bless!

Jessica

To God be the glory!!!! I am SO elated about your family’s wonderful news!!!!

Bowen’s condition and your blog has opened my eyes to a whole world needing the grace and mercy that only God can give. We all are guilty of becoming consumed in our own problems and pain that we sometimes forget to look around and pray for others and the trials that they are going through.

Just yesterday morning I was on my way to work and came upon a wreck. I knew it had to be a bad one because police and firefighters were turning cars around. I am a nurse at the infirmary of a center for intellectual/developmental disabled individuals and it is important for me to be at work on time. I was frustrated because I had to turn around and find another route to work and I knew that this was going to cause me to be late for work. I made it to work 15 minutes late for my shift and silently vented my frustrations to myself.

Later that afternoon I discovered that the driver of the vehicle that wrecked was a father taking his 2 year old daughter to daycare. A deer had run out in front of his car causing him to run off the road just before a bridge and into a swampy area. Passerby’s were able to stop and help the father out of the car but were unable to unbuckle the little girl’s carseat and she drowned. When I learned of this horrible news I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. I deal with death all the time and it always affects you. However, not like this did me. Reflecting on it I realized how selfish I was and consumed in my own problems (being late for work) that I didn’t take the time to just be human and think of what might be the cause and how they were affected themselves.

Take that beautiful baby boy of yours home to be with his beautiful sisters and adoring mother and father. Hold those children tight and thank the Lord above for all your blessings. I know and realize now just how blessed I am and I am so thankful for having such a wonderful loving God that sent his Son to suffer on that cross for my sins.

Sherry Jansen

What a joy to check in on how Bowen is doing and see the title of your blog posting today….Homeward Bound!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t forget all of us out here in cyberland when you get home…remember to let us know how you are doing at home and give us some pictures….My continued prayers, Love, Sherry

Patti Jakel

So happy that Bowen is going home. I have been following Bowens story since before his birthday and so does my 10 year old grandson whom I transport to school every Morning. I will of course keep your whole family in my prayers.
And thank you, thank you, thank you Matt for your “”Digging Deeper” Posts….

Helen & John (Tommy) Robbins

We have been praying for little Bowen and your family, Matt and Sarah. We will continue to pray for little Bowen. That is so awesome that Bowen is finally going home. Yes, I had to read it twice. God is so good! He is so good to us. Who can be against us. Glory Alleulia!!!

Jamie Sallee

Hallelujah!!! Praise the Lord!!! I am so happy to hear this, Matt and Sarah! I will pray that he spends his time at home getting nice and plump from the love and comfort of his family! (my son gained 3 whole pounds in the 1 month that he was home between surgeries….the docs were seriously amazed!) There is something very special in the feeding recipe when you add being home to the mix!

Julia

Matt and Sarah- Praise God!!!! I’m so happy to hear that you can take Bowen home. I’ve been praying for him and your family and will continue to do so. I love your blog and your posts have really helped ‘dig deeper’ into my own faith. God bless you!!!

Erica May

Praise God! So glad to hear the good news! We are at MUSC on day 20 after my daughter Emerson’s Fontan. Praying we will also be home soon!
God Bless!
Erica Mayhttp://www.carepages.com
EmersonBanksMay (HLHS)

Karen

Danielle

I am so excited for you guys to be back together. I have been following Bowen’s journey (daily) and I have been praying for you to all be reunited. Sarah-you look so beautiful in the picture posted today, I can see the joy in your eyes! It’s the look of a happy mama! All the best to you guys and take each moment for what it is. Celebrate the victories, both big and small.

Billie

PRAISE GOD PRAISE GOD!!!!!! I am so happy that you will be heading home with precious Bowen!!! Enjoy and soak up every precious moment with him and I am sure that you will continue to have many wonderful moments at home with Bowen! I will continue to keep you all in my prayers!

Marie Clark

I am so happy for you and your family to be able to take home your new addition Baby Bowen. There is No Place Like Home!!!….In life we sometimes forget that God does not give us anything that we can not handle..I think your family has went through this amazingly through the will of God…Your family has touch my heart and well as many…God bless and many continuous prayers for your family…

I”m so happy for you guys that Bowen is coming home! That is awesome!! And thank you Matt for the Digging Deeper parts of the blog. This is really good stuff you’re writing about and I’m thankful you’re sharing it with us. Suffering doesn’t make Christians hopeless!

Emily

We have been praying for you all for sooo long and are so happy to see God’s abundant grace in your lives!! I would be so happy to provide meals or anything else you might need in the coming weeks! We’re Oak Bend members and live super close, so email us if you have any needs!

I’m absolutely thrilled you’re finally able to bring your sweet baby boy home! Bowen is a doll and I’m so happy he’s doing better. What a wonderful time for you and your family. This is the first time I have commented on your website but have read your posts and about your wonderful family for a while now. Being a heart mom is tough and you’re doing fabulous Sarah. We too, had two children (boys 2 & 4) when we brought home our baby girl and balancing everyone’s needs was tricky at times but I relish those days we spent at home on “lock-down” from the world. Enjoy it and thank you for the insight you’ve given me. God is so good and we have so much to be grateful for 🙂
Love a fellow heart mom,
Katie (mom to Maddie, 2 yrs. old, HRHS)
Royal City, Washington

Jen

We are so glad that you are headed home. It is not nearly as terrifying as you think. You are all in our prayers! We have had a great week home with Caleb and sometimes find ourselves forgetting the drama of the past few months.

Sheryl Smith

I am so happy for your family, being able to take your son home.. I know how scary this ordeal has been for you and I pray God will give you joy unspeakable and peace beyond all understanding. I am praying for Bowens healing. I have a 9 week old grandson whom we had to life flight to a NICU at 3 days old and we had to stay 2 weeks with him. God has and is doing a miracle in his life and I pray for a miracle for your little guy. God bless you and thank you for your blog it is truly encouraging to know there are wonderful committed Christians such as you. Sheryl

Evelina Bosovik

I really like this “digging deeper” section you have. I have been on a difficult path over these past couple of months, I have been struggling very much spiritually. Reading your insights really help me understand what God’s intentions are when he sends difficult things our way. I have been quite angry with God because of the troubles I have been having, but I realize that he is only trying to help me. A friend of mine told me she wished her life would be as hard as mine, she said she wished she would be going through these trials I am. I was quite puzzled at first, but then I understood. Trials and tribulations are a privilege, they allow us to develop endurance just as Paul explained. I wanted to thank you for this “digging deeper” section because it has helped me understand a lot. It has shown me so much more beyond what I have been seeing. Thank you so much. May God bless you and your family abundantly! Apparently he has already been blessing you, judging by Bowen heading home! I’m glad to hear that! Thanks again! God bless! :]

Thank you for being so real… Thank you for being common…ordinary…like all other Christians. Looking at the picture of beauty that your family portrays through word and through photo, it is obvious that you do not intend to be “something more” because of the place in life that God has you. So many artists/public figures are a “step above”…too good…better than…more important. They wouldn’t/don’t level themselves to converse or reach out to those in “society”. Your life of transparency allows the light and life of Jesus to shine ever brighter. You ARE beholding His glory and we praise His Name for your witness.

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear HIS voice!!!! (Old hymn!) How awesome is our God!!!! I nearly jumped out of my chair when I read that you are taking Bowen HOME!!! Prayers continue for him, and your entire BEAUTIFUL family!

His precious life – and your precious words – Matt & Sara – have been such a blessing, beyond blessing even, to me.!! I think of all of you often during the day, and at night as I’m falling asleep! I listen to K-LOVE radio station, too, as I’m getting ready for work in the morning, and at night when I finally arrive home from work – eagerly anticipating a word about Bowen’s progress!! (Incidentally, I also listen to K-LOVE on the way to and from work!)

May your faith deepen more and more every day, and your amazement at the work the Lord will continue to do in Bowen’s life – and in yours and your girls. Bet they are SO excited about their baby brother coming home!! God bless you all!!

Brittany Gordon

Shari

I can’t wait to tell my daughter Morgan, a stroke survivor that Bowen gets to go home.
I have enjoyed your ” digging deeper ” segments. I to remember feeling almost a high at times during the time Morgan was in the NICU at U of M. As we walked and continue to walk through that trial I felt love fort Heavenly Father like never before. I can totally relate to what you said.
We continue to pray for Bowen daily!
PS my dad who was unsaved at the time of my daughters birth is now saved and I am certain he gave his heart to the Lord the day he heard me share Morgan’s testimony at church.

Amber

I just had the pleasure of seeing you guys in concert in Philippi WV and it was an amazing night and I was definetly touched by your story!! I’m sooo very happy for your family that you will be home safe and sound. Thank you so much for being such a blessing to other’s when your family is going through so much! God Bless your family is in all of our prayers!!

Catie

Thank you SO much for sharing your story! I have been following and praying for Baby Bowen and your family since Ignite Chicago this summer ((that was the first time I heard about Bowen’s condition)). It has given me SO much peace to know that in this very difficult and trying time, you have had a tremendous amount of faith! Reading this last post about Bowen joining your family at home brought tears to my eyes and great joy. Our God is an amazing God.

In light of your great news, I also wanted to ask you and all those who pray daily for you and your family to pray for my sister in law and baby nephew. Baby Andrew is due October 12th but there is a large chance that he will be coming within the next few days. I ask that he and my sister in law be kept in your prayers that they are both healthy and safe. I hope that whatever comes within the next few days/weeks, I can handle with faith, the kind of faith you’ve had these past nine weeks. Faith that moves mountains. Faith that remembers how great our God is and gives Him glory.

Hollie

That is awesome news!! God is so wonderful! Your family is such an inspiration. Thank you both for being so open. You have a wonderful family, and I feel that God has glorious plans for you. God bless your family.

Dear Sarah and Matt, and FAMILY, So glad to read your news!! HALLELUIA!! I’m sure the girls will be thrilled, as well, to have their little brother HOME!! What all types of care will you be needing to do, for Bowen? Will he still need tube fdgs.?, for example. It’s a bit selfish of me, but I hope and pray you can continue to post on Bowen’s heart, so we can know how you’re doing; but maybe y ou will need just a bit more privacy than that, and that’s understandable. I’m so grateful, Matt, your posts abt. spiritual things are almost better’n a sermon!! LOL I will continue to pray for your family, as you journey to another destination in Bowen’s life. God bless your growing family!!
Lynn

Galya

Annette (Australia, 17)

That is such great news.
I have been following your journey from the very start and have been praying for your precious little boy and your family.
Thankyou for opening up your lives to strangers and showing the struggles you go through.
Your family is a great encouragement and I am grateful to God for all he has done for little Bowen.
I pray that Bowen will continue to get better and all of his issues will be worked out.
Enjoy your time with your family at home.
Much love 🙂

Elise

YAAAAY!!! Heard this on the radio last night.I am so happy for you all!! I pray that Bowen stays healthy and well so he can enjoy massive doses of cuddle time between now and February. I continue to pray for his blood sugar issues, also. Hope that is miraculously resolved with no further intervention.

Thank you for another amazing “digging deeper” segment. The truth there is bittersweet. There WILL be suffering. That is a fact of life. What that suffering produces in us is our choice. We can suffer without the hope of glory (but who would choose that??) or we can allow it to shape us into the people God created us to be and emerge from it triumphant through Christ.

I’d be lying, though, if I said that I was not still afraid, or that I wouldn’t do everything in my power to avoid suffering… just human nature, I guess. 🙂

Pam Leonard

loni

. I’ve been following your blog for quite awhile, and your story, your marriage and most of all your faith has touched me so much. I’ve been through a really tough time lately and was sinking deeper and deeper into depression after the loss of my Mom and most recently my cousin. I love God with all my heart and kept crying out to him to carry me because I couldn’t take one more step alone. I went to a Women’s Retreat this weekend and Praise God he touched me and lifted the darkness. They showed this video at the Retreat and I just had to share it with you. It gave me a visual of just how much God loves us and walks beside us. It reminds me of Luke 11:11-13. Grab a kleenex and enjoyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5dgJwEvhrA

Kelly

Does anyone else want to shout “Halleluah” (or however it’s spelled!) !!! I’m so thankful that I read this post tonight. I’ve had a rough few days, and it lifted my spirits to read about how glory is obtained. I’m so thankful that you decided to talk to Mary. You two were put together for a reason. Thank you for telling us about it. Glory be to God that you’re going home tomorrow – with your little man. I will pray even harder now that you’ll be faced with the trials in your own home.

Jennifer Kozuch

Such wonderful news!! I remember getting that news from Dr Bove’s team, and the tears of joy that were shed at the thought of bringing Weston home. Yes, the idea of taking care of a HLHS baby at home can be a little daunting, but it is such a joy. Take lots of pictures and keep us posted!!

Staci Schulz

CONGRATS!!!!!! We are so happy for you all and we will be praising the good Lord for the blessing of you getting to go home with your son! Your family will continue to be in our prayers every day! You have a beautiful family and I hope you get some greatly needed time together and cherish these next few days. Praise God for this blessing and we pray that Bowen continues to get stronger every day!

My mom always has us pray for Bowen and Annabelle.
I went to a Youth confrence this Friday For the Assembles of God.
And A prayer leader came up and asked me what I needed prayer for.
I am telling you this because The guys name was Matt. God is so cool. So We lifted Bowen to God for a brand new God Made heart from Heaven.
Praise our Lord he answers prayers.
Thank you for Bowens message my mom will be sooooooo happy.

I know AnnaBelle is still on her heart so lets continue praying for her Healing and all Gods children.

Kari {Karsyn} Williams

Thinking of you all tonight as you begin your final stretch homeward bound!! I’m sure tonight will be a restless one, but in a good sense 🙂 Try to get a little sleep and we can’t wait to hear more great news! Love the family picture! Always on our minds, but forever in our hearts ~ The Williams

Patti Rosales Stringer

Isobel

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!! Yesssssss!!!!!!!!!!!! Etc…….. What wonderful news. Thank You Lord!!!!!! ♥
How I long to see pics of Bowen in his own crib , in his lion suit , being spoiled by his big sisters and a repeat snap of this lovely family above , sitting together on the couch in the living room.
Praying for a smooth transition of care and praying we won’t have to read about Bowen’s Pancreas !
( Hey , Lead Me has just come on K love ! 🙂 ) We praise the Lord for the Glory he’s revealing to you, Matt , and we’re assured of His leading in your life , so you can continue to lead your little family.
Enjoy , enjoy , enjoy , cos’ Bowen’s already growing so fast.
Luv u all. X

Debbi

Connie

Praise God Praise God Praise God! Wonderful news that you are taking Bowen home with his sister and his mommy and daddy! It’s been a long time coming and I am so in awe of how our God works! May he continue to bless all of you, and heal and hold little Bowen in his strong and mighty hands.
God bless and keep you all strong in his Glory, Amen!

RAMONA PACE

YIPPY!!!!!!! THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME. WONDERFUL NEWS. WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR BOWEN AND HIS HI AND THE WHOLE HAMMITT FAMILY, WHICH BY THE WAY, IS A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!! WITH LOVE FROM THE PACE FAMILY

Megan

I am so happy to hear that you are able to take Bowen home! I can’t even imagine how you must be feeling! I will continue to pray for Bowen’s healing and for all of you as you begin your new journey of caring for Bowen at home! I am sure his big sisters will be a great help!

Lisa

Winnie Jones

Praise God!!!! God has once again answered our prayer. What a wonderful, amazing, powerfull we have!!!
I will continue to pray for baby bowen and i also pray that yall can take care of all his needs at home. That is such a praise!

Amanda Howard

Matt and Sara,
I know it can be very hard and exciting at the same time taking your little one home when my daughter was 1 she was really sick I had a central line to clean, a feeding tube to do every 2 hours, several medicines to help with various things and etc. and I can tell you as a parent it will become easy overtime and it will be like second nature. I know you are probably nervous and excited at the same time but you guys have tons of faith and strength so you will do great. I cried some times with my daughter Abigail because it seemed like a lot, so if you need to cry that is okay. Your little man is adorable and congratulations on getting to go home. My little girl is 6 and healthy because of Gods help and I know your little boy will be just fine too. I am still praying for Bowen and you guys too along with your precious little girls.
Amanda Howard

Raylene and Ben

As I was reading “glory”, the song “He Reighns” by the Newsboys was playing on my computer via streaming audio from my station, JOYFM out of St. Louis (joyfmonline.org for those of you who need a great radio station to listen to if you are not in the St. Louis area) and as you know, the chorus says, “Glory, Glory, He Reighns”. How cool to be reading “Glory” and hearing “Glory”….God’s timing is perfect! God bless your family.

celeste

I just want to say that I’m praying for your family and Bowen especially….but more than that I want to let you know that your writing about your jouney has taught me far more than any bible study, or any type of formal class I could have attended. I’m praying that Bowen has complete healing and you won’t be typing your heart into words but please know that while this lasts I am growing as a christian and learing things about myself that I may have not known. You are so very young but so very wise…..

Sandy Giangreco

I have been following your story and we have even talked about little Bowen in a Medical Coding Class that I teach. I about fell off of my chair when I heard that you may be going to CHOP! That is where one of my dear friends and colleagues works. I was just out in Philly a couple of months ago and we drove around the campus (it was at night:)) and I was amazed by the incredible facilities that they have there. Keep us posted, we love the updates. I have 4 children who have had health struggles and now have other struggles. God Bless Your Beautiful Family!

Candi Acevedo

WOW!!! Praise God for Baby Bowen going home. Praise God for what he is doing in your lives even through the suffering.
Thank you so much for the message of glory, it’s from glory to glory. Amen
God is so Great!

Dear Hammit Family
So glad to here your news. What a wonderful picture of the 5 of you. We have been following your story since the birth of Bowen. We didn’t know about your story and had really been enjoying your music when we found out. We listen to Joy FM in St. Louis MO. God bless you as you enter this new venture in life.
In His Love and Peace!
The Murden’s

I am so happy that Bowen is on his way home. My son was home for a week and then went to NICU. I can’t imagine spending that much time in the hospital. Welcome home little Bowen! I love your digging deeper section. I gives me ideas to ponder and learn from. Thank you for all you do for others.

Kathy

What a quote: “without the battle, there is no GLORY” I put this on my signature line for my work emails. God has been teaching me, through your posts, how to get closer to him and why bad things happen to innocent and good people. Bowen going home is everyone’s sign of God’s Glory and to reiterate Jeremiah 29:11.

Faith Stillman

This is so amazing that even in suffering, God’s glory still remains! THIS IS THE BEAUTY OF WHO HE IS AND WHO WE ARE IN HIM. I pray that you continue to rest in the arms of our Savior and I know because of your love and faith in Him that He will be glorified in all of this and You will be blessed because of it! Much joy and happiness as you enjoy your precious gifts from God and I pray for the best to come for all of you.

Steven Horsell

GOD HAS BLESSED YOU WITH A SPICAL LITTLE GIFT OF HIS LOVE FOR ALL OF YOU TO SHARE IN AND TO GROW MORE IN LOVE WITH HIM AND TO SHARE THE LITTLE MIRCAL WITH THE WORLD GOD BLESS YOU ALL PRAISE GOD FOR ALL OF YOU …….

kends

I am from the Philippines and found your blog through k-love, ive been a listener for a month or two now, and today heard about the good news… your story is very much inspiring, the Lord really works great miracles, bowen is your, and our great miracle, how good is the Lord.

I will continue to say my prayer for your angel and your whole family, for all children and for the families all over the world going through the same experience. God Bless us all!